Greater sense of community could be a way to state it, but it probably depends. Does NYC have a greater sense of community (in the broadest sense) than any other place? Dunno, but it certainly is a great city and one in which you can be car free. Great place to visit, but I don't want to live there permanently. The concept of community can apply to just about any setting though. (People in rural areas have some of the best sense of community there is, e.g. helping one another out, etc.)
Never thought about the 'wedge' that way. The powers that be aren't presenting any impetus (albeit often at their own enrichment) to change so I guess there is an implicit wedge, e.g. keep the status quo.
Last edited by schiavonec; 03-14-06 at 03:26 PM.